What Is an Ichthammol Salve?
Ichthammol salve is an alternative home herbal remedy used as a drawing salve. This refers to the fact that this salve is reputedly able to remove, or to draw out, things like infections, insect stingers, splinters, or other foreign particles from the skin to which it is applied. It is also thought to help heal minor wounds, burns, or abrasions, and to prevent infections due to its mild fungicidal and bactericidal qualities. This salve is made by distilling oil shale, or more specifically sulfuric shale. The presence of the sulfur shale in this salve results in the slightly unpleasant odor, dark color, and ability to stain both skin and clothing that are all associated with ichthammol salve. Combining the shale with a thick base substance allows the salve to be applied as a thick gel. This added substance is usually some form of wax or paraffin.
